HEALTH AND SAFETY RESOURCES

CDC: What You Need to Know About the Corona Virus and How to Protect Yourself

WHO: The World Health Organization Updates and Guidelines

NYS Dept. of Health: Current NY State Guidelines and Information 

Schenectady County Public Health: Updated Information for Schenectady County

New York State: Governor Andrew Cuomo

U.S. Travel Association and U.S. travel industry partners: Travel in the New Normal: Industry Guidance for Promoting the Health and Safety of all Travelers 

GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESSES, EVENTS & GATHERINGS 

NEW INFORMATION: 

  • Governor Cuomo announces COVID restrictions are lifted across commercial and social settings.
  • Governor Cuomo Announces New York State to Adopt New CDC Guidance on Mask Use and Social Distancing for Fully Vaccinated Individuals beginning on May 19. Press release can be found here.
  • Outdoor Social Gathering Limit Increases to 500 on May 10 in New York; Indoor Social Gathering Limit Increases to 250 on May 19 in New York. Press release can be found here.
  • Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that the 12 a.m. food and beverage service curfew will be lifted for outdoor dining areas beginning May 17 and for indoor dining areas beginning May 31. Press release can be found here.
  • Governor Cuomo also announced that the 1 a.m. curfew for catered events where attendees have provided proof of vaccination status or a recent negative COVID-19 test result will be lifted beginning May 17, with the curfew for all catered events set to be lifted May 31. Press release can be found here.
  • Governor Cuomo announces Casinos and Gaming Facilities Can Increase Capacity from 25% to 50% Beginning May 15 and Large-Scale Outdoor Event Venues Can Increase Spectator Capacity from 20% to 33% Beginning May 19. Social Distancing, Masks, Health Screenings and All Other State Health/Safety Protocols Remain in Effect. Press release can be found here.
  • The directive contained in Executive Order 202.94 that required any gym or fitness center to cease operation (includes hotels) and close to the public at 11 PM is no longer in effect.
  • Beginning April 19, NY restaurant curfew is extended to midnight. Catered events extended to 1am. 
  • Governor Cuomo Announces Spectators Will Be Allowed at Horse and Auto Races at 20 Percent Capacity Beginning April 22. Press release can be found here. 
  • Governor Cuomo announced as of Tuesday, March 30th all residents 30 years and older are now eligible and can start making appointments. Starting next Tuesday, April 6th eligibility will open up to everyone 16 or older. 
  • Governor Cuomo Announces Launch of Excelsior Pass to Help Fast-Track Reopening of Businesses and Entertainment Venues Statewide. Press release can be found here.
  • Beginning April 5, the 11 pm. curfew currently in place for casinos, movie theaters, bowling alleys, billiards halls, gyms and fitness centers will be lifted. The 11 pm. curfew for food and beverage establishments and the 12 am. curfew for catered events will remain in effect. Both curfews will be evaluated in late-April. Press release can be found here. 
  • On March 22, indoor fitness classes can begin reopening statewide at 33 percent capacity with health screening and contact information required at sign-in. Classes should be scheduled to allow additional time for cleaning and disinfection between sessions. Local health departments shall inspect before or within 2 weeks of the fitness center opening to ensure compliance. 
  • Governor Cuomo Announces Quarantine for Domestic Travel Will No Longer Be Required Starting April 1. Press release can be found here.
  • Governor Cuomo Announces Restaurants Outside New York City Can Move to 75 Percent Indoor Capacity Starting March 19. Press release can be found here.
  • Effective April 2, Event, Arts, and Entertainment Venues can reopen at 33% capacity, up to 100 people indoor, 200 people outdoor. With attendee testing, capacity increases to 150 people indoor and 500 people outdoor. Social distancing and face coverings will be required by all attendees. Press release and a full list of guidelines can be found here. 
  • Hotel Workers and Restaurant workers are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine under 1B Prioritization Group. Press release can be found here. 
  • Effective March 15, New York State will allow in-person wedding and catered events with up to 150 people, as long as all attendees get tested for COVID-19 beforehand. The guest count will be limited to 150 people or 50% of the reception venue’s capacity, whichever is smaller. A full list of guidelines, can be found here. 
  • Governor Cuomo Signs Executive Order Extending Restaurants, Bars & Other SLA-Licensed Entities Closing Times to 11 P.M. Statewide. Press release can be found here. 
  • Empire State Digital Initiative has partnered with Governor Cuomo to provide much-needed support and relief to the Food & Beverage industry. They're giving each NY small business (restaurant, cafe, bar, and etc.), a FREE digital ordering tools, as well as a $1M investment in the form of a customer marketing campaign completely funded by Ritual & PayPal.
  • Governor Cuomo announced that taxi/livery drivers, restaurant workers, and developmentally disabled persons are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine as part of 1b eligibility with local consent. Guidance for vaccinations and current eligibility is listed online.
  • Raising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund
  • New York Forward: Industry Guidance and Reopening

IN-PERSON WEDDING & CATERED EVENTS

Effective on May 10, Outdoor Social Gathering Limit Increases to 500; Indoor Social Gathering Limit Increases to 250 on May 19 in New York A full list of rules and regulations can be found on the New York State Department of Health's Website.  

Schenectady County launched a new online form for vendors and event organizers who host catered events within the county. The form was created to help businesses comply with recent guidance released by the NYS Department of Health (DOH). Local health departments, including Schenectady County Public Health Services (SCPHS), are charged with overseeing compliance. To fulfill the state’s mandate, SCPHS will require vendors and event organizers to fill out a form for each catered event they host at least 5 days in advance of that event per state guidance. All submitted forms will be reviewed, and SCPHS will only contact vendors if they need clarification or identify a potential issue. The online form and additional information is available at www.schenectadycounty.com/COVID19.

HELPFUL RESOURCES, INFORMATION AND SUPPORT

CONTENT TO SHARE

LOCAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT

  • Schenectady County COVID-19 Emergency Response Coalition
  • A number of local stakeholders have launched a great initiative to support our Hospitality Workers in this time of need. The site, tipyourbartender.online is currently accepting submissions from chefs, servers, bartenders, brewers and more to add a profile. Patrons will be able to log on to the site and tip their favorites virtually through Venmo and Paypal. Everyone that submits tips will be entered to win prizes being donated by businesses throughout the region. We encourage you to share with your staffs and/or colleagues that may be impacted during this difficult time.
  • If you, your team or guests need help with transportation, Tech Valley Hospitality Shuttle is still in operation and available as a resource. Owner Trent Griffin-Braaf has indicated you can contact him directly at 518-878-3136.
  • The Community Foundation of the Greater Capital Region and the United Way have partnered to create a COVID-19 Relief Fund. To donate or learn how to apply for relief, visit their website.